When a cardiac arrest strikes, it can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. In those critical moments, swift action can mean the difference between life and death.
Tragically, fewer than 1 in 10 people survive a cardiac arrest that happens outside of a hospital. This is why raising awareness of CPR and community response is so vital—and why Lincolnshire-based charity LIVES is on a mission to make its communities safer.
Last December alone, LIVES volunteers responded to over 200 medical emergencies across Lincolnshire, with 16 of these calls involving children. On Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, LIVES responders attended 16 patients, providing critical care in situations ranging from cardiac arrests to breathing difficulties.
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a life-saving skill that anyone can learn. It buys precious time, keeping blood and oxygen flowing to vital organs until professional help arrives. When paired with the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), it can significantly improve the chances of survival for cardiac arrest victims.
In rural areas like Lincolnshire, where ambulance response times can be longer due to distance, organisations like LIVES play a crucial role in bridging the gap. LIVES volunteers are trained Community First Responders who attend 999 calls, often arriving within minutes to begin life-saving care.
LIVES recently released a short film, “No Night Is Silent,” to illustrate the vital role of community first responders. The film tells the story of a young girl who suffers a sudden cardiac arrest on Christmas Day. A LIVES responder answers the 999 call and performs CPR and defibrillation, giving her a chance at survival.
Watch and Vote in The Smiley Charity Film Awards here – https://www.lives.org.uk/no-night-is-silent/
“This Christmas, we want to remind everyone how important it is to be prepared,” says Max Imbornone, Senior Communications and Engagement Officer at LIVES. “The ability to perform CPR and use a defibrillator can save lives. Our volunteers work tirelessly year-round to make Lincolnshire a safer place, and their dedication is especially evident over the festive season. Emergencies don’t stop for Christmas.”
This festive season, LIVES encourages everyone to take a moment to learn or refresh their CPR skills. If you’ve ever wondered how to help in a life-threatening emergency, now is the time to act. Knowing what to do could save a loved one’s life.
To support LIVES or learn more about their life-saving work, visit their website. Together, we can create safer communities and give every patient the chance they deserve—because no night should be silent when someone’s life is at stake.
